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Winter Haven commission approves rezoning, budget amendment, state grant and housing plan
Summary
On March 23 the City of Winter Haven approved a rezoning to allow a duplex, a budget amendment, acceptance of a state environmental grant (matching funds required), and the city's Local Housing Assistance Plan (SHIP LHAP); each item passed on unanimous voice votes with no public opposition at the hearings.
The City of Winter Haven Commission on March 23 approved a series of routine but consequential items, including a rezoning that clears the way for a residential duplex, an amendment to the city's fiscal 2025-26 budget, acceptance of a state grant for wetland restoration, and the city's Local Housing Assistance Plan required for SHIP funding.
The commission adopted Ordinance O-26-07 on second reading to rezone a roughly 0.48-acre parcel at the general location read into the record for development of a duplex. Deputy city staff told commissioners there were no changes from the first reading and recommended adoption; a commissioner moved approval, the commission opened a public hearing, heard no public comment and approved the ordinance by voice vote.
The commission also approved Ordinance O-26-11, an amendment to the city's budget ordinance to reflect encumbered purchase orders from the prior fiscal year. Staff said there were no substantive changes from first reading and recommended approval; the commission adopted the amendment on a voice vote after a public hearing with no speakers.
On resolutions, the commission accepted a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant for the Bradco Farm Extension wetland restoration (the meeting record identified the project as the "Sapphire Necklace" project). Staff said the city applied in July 2024 and was notified of an award in March 2026; the amount read in the meeting transcript was unclear. Staff said the grant requires a 50% local match and that eligible match may include costs tied to an existing public‑private partnership agreement effective July 2024. The commission authorized the city manager to execute the grant agreement and adopted Resolution R-26-09.
The commission also approved Resolution R-26-10, the Local Housing Assistance Plan (LHAP) required to participate in the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program. Staff reported the city expects approximately $422,449 in SHIP funds for fiscal year 2026-27 and said the LHAP prioritizes owner-occupied rehabilitation and emergency repairs while continuing down-payment assistance. Staff noted the city's Affordable Housing Advisory Committee unanimously recommended approval; the commission approved the LHAP and authorized the mayor to sign required certifications.
Other formal actions included approval of the consent agenda, a memorandum of understanding with FourStar Real Estate Group regarding transportation-impact fee credits tied to work on Westlake Eloise Drive, and the establishment of a fee schedule and facility rental policy for the new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center. All votes on the recorded agenda items carried on voice votes and public hearings for each item produced no speakers opposing the measures.
What happens next: staff are authorized to execute documents, take actions necessary to implement the grant and LHAP submissions, and to track and administer the developer impact‑fee credits under the MOU. If additional funding or match sources are required for the wetland project, staff will return with specifics as they are developed.
Quotes: Deputy city staff summarized the grant terms to the commission, saying, "This grant requires 50% matching funds and the work plan covers land acquisition, pre‑construction or design, wetland restoration and construction activities."
